Search called off after reported bear sighting

San Diego  Law enforcement officials searched parts of Kearny Mesa Wednesday afternoon on reports that a small brown bear was spotted in the area.

The searched was launched about 12:20 p.m., near the Sheriff’s Department’s headquarters on Ridgehaven Court off Balboa Avenue just west of Interstate 15, where several credible witnesses reported the sighting, said San Diego police Detective Gary Hassen.

Police officers and sheriff’s deputies, aided by a helicopter, combed the neighborhood for about an hour but found no trace of the animal, Hassen said.

Authorities with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife also responded, Hassen said.

Sheriff’s Lt. Mario Zermeno said the area has been known to have coyotes and other animals but this is the first time he has heard of possible bear sighting.